Black Spruce 'Aureovariegata'

Picea mariana 'Aureovariegata' is an attractive and hardy evergreen tree that brings a splash of light to the garden. It has a graceful, narrowly pyramidal habit with slightly drooping branchlets. The needles are short and blue-green, but the distinguishing feature is the irregular splashes of pale creamy-yellow that give the tree a frosted or shimmering appearance from a distance. It is very hardy (H7) and performs well in the UK climate, particularly in the cooler, moister regions. It is tolerant of wet soils better than many other conifers and can even handle boggy conditions, reflecting its origins in the northern muskegs. It is a slow to moderate grower, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens. In spring, it may produce small, dark purple cones that eventually turn brown. This conifer is an excellent choice for adding texture and variegated colour to a woodland garden or a large shrub border.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May.